Party Like It’s 2009

You may not have been to one yet, but baby-welcoming parties are a wonderful trend gaining popularity. These get-togethers give everyone a chance to come meet the baby in a festive, yet comfortable and convenient setting.

it’s the efficiency that new parents seem to love. In the early days of parenthood, scheduling multiple visits from all your fans while adjusting to life with a new family member and the changes that brings can be overwhelming.

Typically held four to eight weeks after baby arrives, welcoming parties can be thrown in lieu of a Christening, Bris, or baby shower. Sometimes the new parents host the party themselves, and other times a friend or family member plays hostess. Either way, the help of a loved one is usually appreciated—and often necessary!

Whether you’re having a marathon open house or a short, simple party, set out light food and drinks for guests to enjoy, as well as fun decor to create a festive atmosphere. Themes, personalized invitations, photos, and mementos to take home definitely aren’t necessary, but they will make your event one to remember.

There’s no need for games and activities at welcoming parties… something that most guests will appreciate! Make it a relaxed, fun time for loved ones to mix, mingle, and—most importantly—meet the pint-sized guest of honor!

Jennifer Sbranti is the founder of HostessWithTheMostess.com Her unique party designs have been featured on Extra! and in Real Simple.

Rock a Bib Baby Headliner Blanket in Bad to the Bone, $48, myretrobaby.com

Kamyra in Print Baby Shower Ticket in Silver With Ticket Pouch and Lanyard, starts at $1.40 and $2.20 each, partyinvitations.com

Time to celebrate baby’s first birthday!

You can make it fun and relaxing for everyone (yes, you too) with Jennifer’s 5 easy tips.

1. Pick a theme, and then create your own hip version the guests will love. Whether it’s a specific idea like our tropical luau, or something as general as a fashion trend, having a theme always makes your planning and decision-making processes so much easier.

2. Create framed photo collages or arrangements featuring the guest of honor at different stages of his first year. Simple frames are very inexpensive these days- you can pick them up at Target, IKEA, or craft stores for about $5 each. To tie the frames in with your party decor, embellish them or mat the pictures with the wrapping or scrapbooking paper used in the theme.

3. Create custom confetti with scrapbook punches. Use pictures of baby and your party decor patterns, then sprinkle around the party area-—out of baby’s reach!

4. Keep the ages of your guests in mind. If you’ll be hosting many young children, set up a special area for them to play in so parents get a chance to enjoy some adult conversation. If your guests are mostly adults, tailor your party accordingly.

5. Don’t stress, keep your budget in check, and have fun! There are so many pressures already associated with parenting—throwing the “perfect” first birthday party does not need to be yet another one. (You can wait until she’s 16 for that!) Right now your little one won’t know the difference between a $10 centerpiece and a $100 version!

Enjoy! You likely haven’t had much time to spend with friends and family during the past year! So relax and focus on creating a casual party and a fun atmosphere that everyone—that includes you—can enjoy. Everything else will be icing on the cake!

The Editors at Pregnancy are constantly scouring the news and best information to provide readers with the most accurate advice and latest trends in pregnancy and new motherhood. Together we’ve experienced most of the ups and downs of the pregnancy journey and are here to share and help you along the way.